Audit Commission

The Audit Commission congratulates Peter Wilkinson on the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) he has been awarded in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to local government. Peter, Managing Director of Policy, Research and Studies at the Commission, is our longest-serving director, having joined the management team in 1995.

During a varied career he has had responsibility for the Commission's corporate services and its work in the NHS. He led for the Commission on the first mandatory local authority performance indicators brought in by John Major's Citizen's Charter. Last year he oversaw the publication of 'Follow the Money', a history of the Commission marking its first quarter century.

He is now responsible for most of the Audit Commission's national research and reports on value for money in local public services.

Chief Executive Steve Bundred said: "This is a fitting recognition of Peter's long and outstanding service to the Commission and to public services more widely. I am delighted both for Peter and his family, and for what such a prestigious award says about the reputation of the Commission more generally."

Peter attended the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst aged 17, and was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1972. He read Psychology at the University of Durham, and served on two emergency tours of Northern Ireland, as well as other postings around the world. After a job in the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall, he retired from the Army as a Major, and joined the Audit Commission in 1990.

Peter said: “I was astonished and delighted to receive such an honour. It’s great to have a contribution from the Audit Commission recognised in this way. I am reminded of the important role the organisation plays in the nation’s public life, and why we must keep trying to improve everything we do. Many, many people in the Commission have helped me over the years. I wish I could thank them all personally, and hope they share my pleasure.”

Notes to editors

1. The Audit Commission is an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.
2. Our work across local government, health, housing, community safety and fire and rescue services means that we have a unique perspective. We promote value for money for taxpayers, auditing the £200 billion spent by 11,000 local public bodies.
3. As a force for improvement, we work in partnership to assess local public services and make practical recommendations for promoting a better quality of life for local people.
4. Further details about the role of the Audit Commission can be obtained from - http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk